Frejus Attractions
The town of Fréjus is situated in the eastern section of the French Riviera between the Massif des Maures and the Massif de l'Esterel. Not far to the southeast the River Argens flows into the Mediterranean.
Whether the site of the Forum Julii, founded by Caesar, was already settled in pre-Roman times has not been conclusively proved. Under the Emperor Augustus the place became a royal port and was linked to the sea by a canal 1,200m/1,313yd long and 30m/33yd wide. In the fourth C. Fréjus became the see of a bishop, and in the 10th C. it suffered from attacks by the Saracens. From the 12th C. onwards the development was frequently influenced by epidemics of plague. The harbor had to be finally abandoned in the 18th C. because of silting up. In August 1944 Allied forces landed here.
The breaching of the Malpasset Dam in 1959 was a catastrophe. The mighty rush of water down the valley caused 421 deaths and buried the town under mud.
Whether the site of the Forum Julii, founded by Caesar, was already settled in pre-Roman times has not been conclusively proved. Under the Emperor Augustus the place became a royal port and was linked to the sea by a canal 1,200m/1,313yd long and 30m/33yd wide. In the fourth C. Fréjus became the see of a bishop, and in the 10th C. it suffered from attacks by the Saracens. From the 12th C. onwards the development was frequently influenced by epidemics of plague. The harbor had to be finally abandoned in the 18th C. because of silting up. In August 1944 Allied forces landed here.
The breaching of the Malpasset Dam in 1959 was a catastrophe. The mighty rush of water down the valley caused 421 deaths and buried the town under mud.
Amphitheater
The Roman Amphitheater (Arènes) in the Rue Henri Vadon dates from and A.D. first and second century. It measures 114m/125yd by 82m/90yd and once had accommodation for 10,000 spectators. To a great extent it is unrestored and also largely free of modern buildings. On the north side the oval leans against the slope, while on the south side an elaborate vaulted construction supports the steps from below.
Hours
April 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:30 | Closed | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 |
| Close | 11:45 | 11:45 | 11:45 | 11:45 | 11:45 | 11:45 | |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | |
| Close | 18:15 | 18:15 | 18:15 | 18:15 | 18:15 | 18:15 |
October 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 11:45 | 11:45 | 11:45 | 11:45 | 11:45 | 11:45 | |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | |
| Close | 16:15 | 16:15 | 16:15 | 16:15 | 16:15 | 16:15 |
Aqueduct
In the northeast of the town of Fréjus, on the N7, there are still some remains of the Roman aqueduct which brought water from the Esterel Mountains.
Fondation Daniel Templon (closed)
This private museum in the Capitou industrial zone houses a collection of works by important artists of the last 30 years.
Forum for the Arts and Music
This annual month-long festival takes place in July and includes over a dozen performances of orchestral, choral, and chamber music, as well as jazz and folk concerts, dance recitals and art exhibitions. The venues include the Gothic cathedral, the Roman theater and the Town Hall.
Pagoda
Outside Fréjus to the north, on the road leading to the Esterel Mountains, can be seen a pagoda, a somewhat unconventional sight with its vivid coloration.
Roman Theater
Not far west of the Fréjus aqueduct are the remains of a Roman theater laid out in a semicircle.
Frejus Surroundings
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Corniche des Maures
(Massif des Maures)
The Corniche des Maures is a famously scenic roadway also known as the D559 on road maps. It runs between Le Lavandou and St-Tropez.
Le Muy, France
The lively community of Le Muy, 11km/7mi west of Fréjus at the confluence of the rivers Nartuby and Argens, is situated in an area of intensive agriculture. The 15th C. church and the round Tour Charles-Quint (tower of Charles V) are notable.
Anglo-American parachute troops landed here on August 15, 1944.
About 2.5km/1.5mi southwest on the slope of the Montagne de Roquebrune (up to 372m/1,022ft; fine views and peculiar rock formations) stands the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Roquette to which there are pilgrimages on March 25, the second Monday after Easter and September 8.
Anglo-American parachute troops landed here on August 15, 1944.
About 2.5km/1.5mi southwest on the slope of the Montagne de Roquebrune (up to 372m/1,022ft; fine views and peculiar rock formations) stands the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Roquette to which there are pilgrimages on March 25, the second Monday after Easter and September 8.
